Chelsea reach agreement to sign Fenerbahce superstar in January

• Chelsea are said to be looking to strengthen their defense with Antonio Rudiger staring at an uncertain future
• The west Londoners appear to have trained their eyes on Attila Szalai ahead of the January transfer window
• Reports suggest the EPL side have submitted an initial £20million ahead of a proposed deal for the Hungarian
• La Liga giants Atletico Madrid are also thought to be eyeing the services of the 23-year-old

Chelsea have reportedly reached a deal to sign Fenerbahce defender Attila Szalai.

The Blues are understood to be keen to reinforce their defensive options in the next summer transfer window.

Sevilla star Jules Kounde was top on the club's transfer wishlist and even came close to landing him this summer.

However, with the La Liga giants demanding in excess of £65million for the Frenchman, the west Londoners were compelled to set their sights elsewhere.

Metro UK reports Thomas Tuchel is determined to lay a foundation for the future amid uncertain surrounding Antonio Rudiger who has just months left on his current deal.

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While Kounde is said to be firmly in Chelsea's plans, a significantly cheaper alternative in the shape of Szalai has emerged.

Reports in Turkey contend the European champions have already reached an initial £20million deal for the Fenabahce defender ahead of a proposed January move.

CNN Turkey claim negotiations over the transfer of Szalai have intensified in recent days, with the 23-year-old expected to pen a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

Should the promising centre-back complete the transfer under the current terms, he would become the most expensive player in the history of Hungary.

Dominik Szoboszlai currently holds that record following his £17million transfer from RB Salzburg to RB Leipzig.

Cech admits title race will be tough

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported Chelsea legend Petr Cech has admitted the Premier League title race will not be a two-horse race even as the Blues push to take control of the standings.

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Cech believes winning the EPL will not be a walk in the park for anyone as "everybody can beat everybody."

"There has been great drama and everybody can beat everybody. It will not be a two-horse race for the title," he noted.